Austin County 4-H members delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Texas 4-H State Roundup, earning top team finishes, individual awards and statewide leadership recognition during the annual event held in College Station earlier this month.
More than 20 Austin County 4-H members attended the statewide competition and leadership conference, participating in contests, workshops, assemblies and educational events alongside youth from across Texas.
One of the county’s biggest accomplishments came from the Austin County 4-H Quiz Bowl Team, which captured second place in the state under the guidance of coaches Janet and Rodney Melnar. Team members Luke Schumann, Kinley Kokemor, Claire Scheider and Presley Jacob represented Austin County in the competition. Schumann was also named the contest’s High Point Individual, and the team qualified to advance to the National Quiz Bowl Contest in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Austin County 4-H Rifle Team also earned a spot on the podium, finishing third in the state. Coached by Brian Gardner and Michael Svinky, the team consisted of Brady Svinky, Ryleigh Davenport, Jake Forrester and Case Eckermann. Brady Svinky earned High Point Individual honors in the event.
Several Austin County members achieved success in individual contests as well. Grace Lischka placed fourth in Educational Presentation, while Katie Schumann earned seventh place in Public Speaking.
The Livestock Judging Team, coached by Craig Melton, finished seventh overall at state competition. Team members included Darcy Luedke, Levi Malinowski, Paisley Miller and Teaghan Eckelberg. Luedke also earned fourth-place High Point Individual honors.
Other Austin County competitors included the Food Challenge Team, coached by Andrea Krenek, consisting of Elaina Shupak, Emma Krenek, Charlee Menefee and Katie Geistmann. Annabelle Weber competed in Veterinary Skill-a-thon, while Luke Schumann participated in Poultry Judging.
Austin County 4-H members also found success in the state photography competition.
Kaesee Brune earned first place in the Catch-All category and second-place finishes in Long Exposure and Animal-Domestic photography.
Elaina Shupak captured first-place awards in Details & Macro and Shadow/Silhouette, while also earning second place in the People category.
Brady Svinky added to his accomplishments with first-place finishes in Animals-Wildlife and Landscape & Nature photography, along with second-place awards in Leading Line and Motion/Action.
In addition to the contest results, Austin County celebrated a major leadership achievement when Paisley Miller was elected First Vice Chairman of the Texas 4-H State Council for the 2026-2027 year. The position places Miller among the top youth leaders in the state organization and provides an opportunity to help guide Texas 4-H programming and leadership initiatives over the coming year.
County Extension officials praised the students for their dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence, noting that their accomplishments reflect the strong tradition of youth leadership and achievement within Austin County 4-H.
The Texas 4-H Roundup is the premier statewide event for Texas 4-H members, bringing together thousands of youth participants each year to compete, learn and develop leadership skills that prepare them for future success.
